KPJ Says 'Giannis Does a Great Job of Assuring' Bucks Teammates Despite Trade Rumors
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo has assured his teammates that he wants to remain with the organization despite his involvement in trade rumors.
"I'll just say this: There's a lot of outside noise, that's just what comes with it," Porter said, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic. "And Giannis does a great job of assuring (us) that he's wanting to be here with this group specifically.
"So, we ain't even worried about all the outside noise. That's my brother and I'm sure if it was something he would come to us, but he's with us and we're gonna hold it down until he's ready."
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ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Antetokounmpo and his agent have "started conversations" with the Bucks about "whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere."
Several teams subsequently held meetings to discuss potential trade packages for the two-time MVP, according to ESPN's Jamal Collier.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that Antetokounmpo hasn't asked to be traded, though.
Milwaukee has opened its 2025-26 campaign with a 10-13 record, sitting at No. 10 in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bucks are attempting to go on a deeper playoff run after experiencing first-round postseason eliminations in each of the past three years.
Despite Milwaukee's struggles to open this season, Antetokounmpo has remained dominant on both ends of the floor.
He's averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists in a mere 29.1 minutes per game while shooting 63.9 percent from the field and 10-of-23 from three-point territory.
The Bucks own a 9-8 record in the 17 games Antetokounmpo has appeared in this season compared to a 1-5 mark without him.
Still, Milwaukee has showed recent promise. After Antetokounmpo departed early in the Bucks' clash with the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday due to a right calf strain, his teammates were able to secure a 113-109 win over the top squad in the East.
Porter was a key factor in the victory, scoring a team-high 26 points on 8-of-18 shooting while dishing out seven assists.
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